Meet the Cast of A Christmas Carol's Past: Dan Amboyer

Meet Dan Amboyer

I first appeared in A Christmas Carol in 1992 as the Poor Lad, Orson Wilkins, and understudied Tiny Tim.  I performed in the show a few more seasons off and on, playing Peter Cratchit, Dick Wilkins, and understudying others.  During my senior year of high school, I was MBT’s acting intern during the 2001-2002 season, during which, notably, I went on last minute as both Jesus and Judas during the run of Godspell.

Since then, I graduated high school from Interlochen Arts Academy, and then double majored in acting and music theatre at Carnegie Mellon University.  I then relocated to New York, and work as an actor with theatre companies Off-Broadway and around the country, including The Old Globe, The Shakespeare Theatre, Utah Shakespeare Festival, The MUNY, Walnut Street Theatre, North Shore Music Theatre, and The Cape Playhouse, where this last summer, I played the “title role” in The Importance of Being Earnest.  Favorite experiences include creating the role of Dan Proctor in AR Gurney’s final play Squash, and playing Dorante in the first production of David Ives’ The Metromaniacs.

I have appeared in 30 some TV and film projects, most notably as twins Thad and Chad on “Younger,” spy Dan/Trevor on “The Blacklist: Redemption,” and as Prince William in Hallmark’s “William & Catherine: A Royal Romance.”  Earlier this year, I made my directorial debut with the world premiere of the “eco-comedy” Whirlwind in New York, which was subsequently acknowledged by the New York Innovative Theatre Awards.  Last month I shot the male lead in an independent film called “Overlook,” in Kentucky. I am currently in Hawaii, filming an episode of  "Hawaii Five-0."

A Christmas Carol at Meadow Brook was the first play I ever saw, on a family holiday outing. Seeing it inspired me to learn about theatre from a young age, and the very next year,  I found himself onstage with the Carol cast. It was a magical experience for me. I loved watching the older actors work; their rigor and utter commitment, as well as how beautifully the production unfolded and stayed in motion every night supported by every technician and designer.  My favorite things were to stand backstage and watch Glen Allen Pruett bellow as Marley, the rare times when I was allowed to watch Adrianne Kriewall ride the elevator up as Past, and the legendary Booth Colman’s rebirth as a giddy schoolboy. (And he still wishes he had had some excuse to ride the turntable!)

After my Carol debut, I was gutted when I was not cast in a role the next season.  About which, I would like to say, to any of the kids or parents that may be reading this:

For most, being a kid in A Christmas Carol is an extraordinary opportunity.  A child is surrounded by many forms of artistry, they learn about responsibility, expand their imaginations, and they can even discover a potentially meaningful community.  However, it can be heartbreaking if your child is not invited back again for another season. I took it particularly hard, I think that it indeed was my true discovery of the feeling of deep rejection - from something I had loved so intensely.  I wish I had known then that that “rejection” was not to be taken as a judgment on my potential or talent. That sometimes, you just don’t quite fit into the cast puzzle in the right way - even if you did the year before. That can be very hard for an 8 year old to understand.

Whether or not a child has any further interest in pursuing a career in the arts after Carol, they have much to gain by being part of the company.  But if their heart is set on being an artist, and they are rejected, please hear me when I say - try not to take it as a judgment against you. I was rejected for roles in Carol in several years as a kid, and I have persevered.  In fact, I am rejected for about 98% of the roles I audition for in New York and Los Angeles. It’s hard to understand as a child, but that is the life of an actor, one which is not talked about often. But I hope in me speaking it aloud, that a child perhaps could be eased from the weight of that powerful hurt.  And that if they truly thrive being in the theatre, follow your calling and seize every opportunity you can to grow and develop your skills. I know far more talented people around me, but what I do not doubt are my work ethic, passion, and ability to accept loving criticism and guidance. Continue to pursue it for as long as your heart continues to skip a beat as you step into the hallowed walls of a theatre!

Now a bonafide New Yorker, I live in Brooklyn with my husband Eric Berger (a Wall Street financial planner and political advocate), their 3 Maine coon cats and Amazon parrot.  In some extremely exciting news, Eric and I will be expecting the birth of our first child this holiday season! ‘Twill be the merriest of Christmases, yet!

You can follow me on Instagram at @Danamboyer.